Several of you asked whether I bought new shoes for the party - and indeed I did! It took quite an effort to part with the cash, I can tell you, I'm not used to retail prices anymore.

But thankfully these sandals were in the sale and are soooo comfortable (which is a significant consideration these days for my poor middle-aged feet). I wish they had been available in purple, green or orange, but had to content myself with black.

That's not one of my cats, by the way - that's Bertie, a stray who visits from time to time.

Fantastic dress, amazing back neckline. Green belt & hair flower, and new shoes, hooray!!! I like a substantial sandal, comfortable is where it's at, and they will fit nicely with your groovy wardrobe. Love the perfect-sync pose with kitty, all those smiling faces, and that wee front door. I must do some getting out myself though -misread "downland" as "download" lol!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Lovely pictures! Wow, their own pool - good job the weather was nice to make the most of it! Love your dress. Know what you mean about retail prices - I'm often to be heard muttering 'how much!!' (Think Gollum).

What a lovely place to visit - your sister is very lucky to have a pool. Wendover is just like something off a chocolate box. Your family clearly had a lovely time. You look divine in the maxi, I am really taken with the print and colours.

Look at your children. They are blossoming right before our eyes. And why wouldn't they with you as Mother Nature. Niiiiiiice shoes. Well done. And look at Eldest. She really is stunning. She is going to grow up so much after spending time with her older sophisticated cousins. Just you wait and see.

What lovely pics Curtise....that beech forest is just picturesque! I can see why the kiddos would love it at your sisters place. And you look beautiful in that maxi....I love it with the belt, & that square back is lovely. I maybe absent from commenting for a while as we leave for NZ on Tuesday & won't have internet access very often. No doubt there will be many of your frocks for me to catchup on when I return! Xx

You and your sis have both got beautiful gardens do you both have green thumbs or do you prefer your botanical s of the dress-up variety?speaking of which I love this dress, colourful flowers + black background always does it for me x

I always love your garden and you are the perfect decorative accessory in it, but goodness gracious me! I see what you mean about your sister's pad. It is FANTASTIC!! That pool. That is my ideal pool! Close to the house, outdoor and private. No wonder the kids make full use. I'd be in there all day long.

Your three have the most beautiful smiles, bless 'em. Eldest has got the same nail polish on as me at the moment. SNAAAP! She must be delighted to be asked back for a return trip. Your sisters are great aunties. Bobbin! Cutie!

I feel like I've had a vicarious holiday through you in a most salubrious setting. Thanks for taking me somewhere so lovely! :) xxxxx

Your garden a poor relation?....never! It alsways looks perfectly manicured and there's always something of interest to see in the background, a posturing puss or beautiful blooms. Your sister's home is pretty impressive all the same, what a fab pool. How exciting for eldest to be going for a return visit on her own. Delighful photo's of your gorgeous three and of course, your lovely self Curtise.xx

Gawd, what a beautiful slice of English countryside! I feel like Pimms now...it's just so bloody beautful.....straight out of Midsomer Murders and all of my fave English novels!!! I wouldn't mind a holiday at your sisters myself!The new shoes are pretty damned spunky! Indeed, comfort becomes more and more important for our poor old feet, but I am still determined to make mine suffer more often than i should! The good thing about cycling is that I don't need to walk in heel too often!LOVE this frock, and LOVE the posing...eldest IS a chip off the old block, but Mama has a few tricks up her sleeve yet!LOVE YOU! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Both spots (yours and your sister's ) look so inviting, I can't wait to visit! : > Love the pics of the kids having fun too. You look fabulous, and of course, a cat in the picture always brings a smile. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday!

Another gorgeous floral maxi for me to lust after! I love the photos of you beautiful children, the lovely views and of your travels. I learn so much about your country through your blog. Opening worlds across the planet is another benefit of blogging!

You look so elegant, the dress fits you perfectly! Gorgeous pictures and lovely place, I'd love be in that swimming pool right now. I went to Sicily for a few days but it was too hot to even walk outside so we just stayed home and took pictures. Have a nice week.

The dress is fab, as always, the sandals look really cool too- nothing like a pair of chic chunky sandals, isn't it? They would be great in other colours, you're absolutely right!The poolside looks terribly appetizing. I am really jealous now!!!

The maxi dress is fabulous, but it's your signature style and always look good on you - The sandals, versatile, good buy you will be able to wear them a lot - I know about middlle age feet! this is why i wear docs, they are the most comfortable shoes i found so far for me, of course !The pics of your sis home are beautiful - All is beautiful, love the small village, England is truly a lovely country -

Nice shoes, and they go quite nicely with your flower garden dress! I'd be up for a dip in that pool if the water was warm - your kids look so happy and relaxed! I love the view from Coombe Hill. I remember thinking the English countryside was very pretty when I visiting the UK many years ago. Nothing like a cute puppy to complete a post that is chock full of eye-candy. BTW, the last head and shoulders photo of the Eldest, is quite lovely - she's growing into a young woman!

Oh, and madam, have you not been receiving my emails, or are you just ignoring me while you're off on your country jaunts?

Wow your sisters garden is lovely no wonder the children enjoyed it splashing around out there I would have to ;-) Your photo's are all beautiful you live by some wonderful places to visit. I love seeing where the children get to visit the freedom they have is lovely, dee xxx

Such pretty pictures! The woods look like something out of a story book. And Bobbin is such a cute name for a little dog. (I have an Indian friend whose name is Bhavin. People are always mis-hearing it and he gets called Bobbin, which I use to tease him.) Love the sandals. Good for you for finding cool-looking but comfy sandals. And on sale!

Helloooo, Curtise! Seems like forever since I caught one of your posts. Gotta go back and see your earlier vacation pics.Glorious dress ...you're willowy and lovely in it. Aren't perfect sandals the best thing?Eldest is, I say again, becoming a Francois Hardy-style beauty. She looks positively touching in that Breton strip tee. You have lots to be proud of in all your little treasures. I hope they all have brilliant and lucrative careers so they can keep you in a style to which you'd like to be accustomed.Grand vacation photos ... thanks so much for posting them.

Such a rich and beautiful post dear Curtise! I feel as though as I have had a mini get away to your enchanting country. See your three adorables...brings back memories of my own 3 at that age. Savor and enjoy them... as I know you do my dear!

Oh such beautiful images of what is such a amazing place..thank you for all the sneak peeks.Oh I do love the new sandals......it's funny how you feel when you buy retail.......I always think 'could I have found them in an op-shop'?????? You have a pussy-cat invader!!!!!Oh oh I do love the dress to.....you and floral maxis are a match made in heaven.Love V

What a glorious part of the world (apart from having Dave and Sam as neighbours). The kids look in their element, I bet eldest's thrilled to be invited back.That swimming pool is extremely swanky and you look like the lady of the manor in your fabulous frock and posh new sandals. Do you keep looking at them?I still feel extremely frivolous for buying 4 pairs of knickers three months ago. Looks like we're in for a glorious week! Love you! xxxxx

I love the print of that dress so stunning and such a lovely shape. Love the new sandals - you'll be able to wear them for the next 5 years at least, so if you break that down per wear they're sure to end up dirt cheap. You do live in a very picturesque part of the world!

wow, I'd make use of the facilities too. Your sister has a lovely place. Could you spot the Aylesbury council tower block (AKA the Tower of Power) from Coombe Hill? Wendover is lovely, but expensive, as you probably know. I was only down the road. I love your sandal choice, they look perfect, I rather fancy a pair myself. Your garden is such a gorgeous place, certainly not a poor relation xxxx

*Ahhhh* That pool looks so refreshing and fun. Bobbin is quite cute.I like your new shoes.Eldest is most surely pinching your moves, not to mention she is almost a spitting image of you. =DThat market looks fantastic, I would enjoy taking a stroll through it.

What a beautiful place, and your sister's is quite resort like, when you've got a pool and the great weather we've been having recently it would feel like being abroad. The woods look beautiful with all those gnarled trees and I bet the kids loved it there, and exploring all the little local towns. I really like your new shoes, and black may not be your favourite but they are nice shiny patent black and very stylish, setting off your frock very nicely. I agree with Jan about your eldest, she does have that natural poise, I can just imagine her swinging her hair like a sixties french girl. xx

What a beautiful part of the country your sister lives in and it looks like your lovely family had a ball exploring the countryside and splashing in the pool! It's always, always so nice to return home though isn't it, even if one doesn't have a pool coz ... who's gonna clean it? ;) I ADORE your maxi frock so much, the way the pattern runs up the fabric, it's like you're enjoying taking your beautiful garden with you, even when it's raining outside! I can't believe your lot are near the end of their hols ... so glad they've had a real summer this year:) xoxoxoxo